Pep Guardiola: Lamine Yamal shines, but Lionel Messi remains unmatched

A teaser of the interview set to air on 12 June, showcases Guardiola's admiration for the 17-year-old Yamal's maturity and his unwavering reverence for Messi, whom he considers the greatest footballer ever.

Guardiola, reflecting on Yamal's remarkable composure, said, "Everyone's talking about his maturity, and it's true. You usually see that kind of maturity at 24 or 25. Sometimes, with a player of such talent, you expect them to try something spectacular every time, like a Curry triple.

"But no. He plays one-touch, then rests for three minutes. Then another touch, a short dribble, a pass. Then, suddenly, he wins you the game."

The former Barcelona boss, who coached the Blaugrana from 2008 to 2012, was quick to temper comparisons between Yamal and Messi. "It's incredible to see, and Barcelona are lucky to have found a player with such vision. But I'm sorry, there'll never be another Lionel Messi. For me, no one in the world will ever come close to the Argentine," Guardiola added.

A Historic Partnership

Guardiola and Messi shared four trophy-laden years at Barcelona, securing three La Liga titles, two Champions League crowns, and a host of other honours. Their partnership redefined modern football, blending tactical brilliance with individual genius.

Messi himself has often credited Guardiola's coaching for his development, while Guardiola has consistently called Messi the greatest of all time.

Since their time together, both have added to their legacies independently. Messi lifted another Champions League with Barcelona in 2015, while Guardiola guided Manchester City to their first-ever European title in 2023.

Yamal's Rise Sparks Excitement

Lamine Yamal, still a teenager, has become a cornerstone for Barcelona, with his performances drawing attention across Europe. His ability to combine flair with intelligence has invited comparisons to Messi, though Guardiola's comments underline the unique stature of the Argentine icon.

As Barcelona continue to nurture their latest gem, Guardiola's words serve as both a celebration of Yamal's promise and a reminder of Messi's unmatched legacy.